Connor Burns retains Welsh welterweight boxing title

Connor Burns of Llandudno boxing club retained his Welsh title on the weekend to become the 2018 Youth B 69kg champion. The Bangor-based welterweight was up against the experienced Patrick Larkin from Chepstow Boxing Club.

Larkin had an all action style and started the bout by trying to push Burns back but the Llandudno boxer was able to pick him off behind powerful counters.

The second was Larkin’s best round where he tried to dominate on the front foot and push Burns back. The round was close with the more accurate work coming from Burns but the aggression and high work rate coming from Larkin.

Going in to the last round it was all even. Burns needed to change the tempo and direction of the contest, which he did with a savage onslaught on his opponent. The earlier body shots had slowed Larkin down considerably and Burns drove him backwards behind accurate and powerful shots.

Burns gained a split decision to retain his Welsh title for the third time in a row. He now goes on to the GB finals in Scotland in June.

Burns is next in action in Newport on April 14th on the undercard of the televised World Boxing Series Event, where the British Lionhearts take on France. Burns will be looking to avenge his only loss this season against the current English Champion Owen Cooper. Burns was unfortunate not to get the nod against Cooper on an England – Wales international in Basingstoke earlier this month.